Report: Microsoft Xbox Studios To Partner With Showtime For ‘Halo’ Series

We all know that Microsoft is working on a “Halo” television series in association with Steven Spielberg. The “Halo” television series is a groundbreaking original series based on the award-winning “Halo” franchise. Award-winning filmmaker, director and producer Steven Spielberg will executive produce the live-action TV series, created in partnership with 343 Industries and Amblin Television. Today, Variety reported some information regarding this upcoming Xbox Original.

Xbox Entertainment Studios is deep in negotiations with Showtime to develop a live-action “Halo” drama series that is a high priority for the Microsoft production unit headed by Nancy Tellem.

Xbox Studios has been developing a drama series spin on the vidgame franchise with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin TV banner for more than a year. It’s understood that the company is close to a deal with a pair of showrunners to steer the series adaptation of the expansive bible developed by screenwriter Stuart Beattie, but the deal is not envisioned as a straight-to-series pickup.

Also, Microsoft is planning to present this series both on Xbox and Showtime while the former will have more interactivity. More details of the deal are still being hammered out. Read more from the link below.

This potential deal with Showtime has been alarming for many. While TV shows on Showtime often start very strong the network has a reputation for dragging out shows to make more profit on them. Recent examples include “Homeland” and “Dexter” which both premiered to critical acclaim but ended with widespread negativity. Leslie Moonves currently oversees Showtime.